Waimarino Youth & Fitness Trust

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 484, 4 May 1993, Page 10

Waimarino Youth

& Fitness Trust

A Ruapehu Bulletin Advertising feature From small beginnings the Waimarino Youth and Fitness Trust is playing a major role in shaping the youth of the district. What began as a small operation with borrowed gym equipment has developed into a hugely popular facility with membership numbering nearly 100. Trust chairman Craig Ryland heads a committee consisting of Rags Ransom (treasurer), Angel

Rapana (secretary), Neville Johnson, John Compton, Grant Ryland and Collette Taylor. A separate works committee consists of Craig, Rags, Neville, Grant, and Mike Chaytor. User demand on the Trust's present facilities and resources is so great that committee members have been compelled to embark on a major fund-raising drive and are currently negotiating for the purchase of larger premises.

Raetihi's Te Aroha Youth Hall has served as both gymnasium and aerobics centre since July

1992 but current user numbers have proved the facility to be hopelessly inadequate and not a vi-

able purchase option. Under consideration is Raetihi's picture theatre building with a price

tag of $31,000. Fund-raising and donations to date total approximately $10,000. As well as

the purchase of new premises, committee members are working to fill the gymnasium's "wish list" - the purchase of essential basic equipment to outfit the facility. The tiny Te Aroha Hall is divided down the middle - one side crammed with fitness equipment and the other edged with mirrors for the benefit of the weekly aerobics classes. Instructor Angel Rapana, a member of the 'Network' organisation of fitness professionals, is in ' the process of organising an additional five morning and five afternoon sessions to complement the three weekly evening classes. In a brief to businesses, chairman Craig Ryland outlined the aims of the

Waimarino Youth and Fitness Trust. The facility offers: A place for the youth in the area to develop physical fitness and a level of self esteem that they would not otherwise have. A supplementary training centre for all sporting organisations in the communnity to achieve a better level of fitness and reward in their sports. An initial fitness education centre for the children in the area to be correctly trained in self fitness programs, to be run by capable senior members. A facility that will foster a club and community spirit that will assist to keep members and in particular younger members occupied instead of having idle time on their hands.

Mr Ryland expressed gratitude for the tremendous support from local businesses, organisations and individuals, and for the assistance of several Wanganui businesses, including Levene's with a donation of paint to the value of $1000. The Waimarino Youth and Fitness Trust acknowledge the support of the following individuals and organisations: Wanganui Power Company, Winston Glass, Smith and Smith, Victoria Auto Court, Dekker Machinery, Wrightsons Raetihi, L. E. Couriers, Raetihi Hammer Hardware, Dempsey Buses, Wellington Cafe, Four Square, Wanganui Couriers, N. Z. Faunmac, High Country Brokers,

Paul Haines, N. Z. Couriers, A. S. I. Horticulture, Waimarino Autos, Waimarino Electrical, Waimarino Club Incorporated, J. M. and A. R. Richfeld, H. E. Webb, D. A. Robb, Elders Pastoral, Te Kuiti meats, McEwan Wool Marketing, Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club, McCleans Bookshop, Bennett's Furnishers, Kay Cees, R. Jensen Shearing Contractors, Kim Young and Sons, Tom Mowat, Dr Jim Corbett, N. W. and J. M. Johnson, Tamaupoko Trust, Graham and Mona Fredericksen, Grant and Jackie Ryland, Waimarino Livestock, Hugh Geraghty, Cross Country Fencers.